Can connector device



Sept. 26, 1944. A. DJlDlcs ET A1. 2,358,795

CAN CONNECTOR DEVICE Filed oct. 21, 1940 s sheen-sheet 1` Sept 26, 1944' A. DJlDlcs x-:T A1. 2,358,795

CAN CONNECTOR DEVICE Filed O'Ct. 2l, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 26, 1944. 'A, DJsDlcs ET-Al. v 2,358,795

CAN/CONNECTQR DEVICE Filed Osp. 21.; 1940 3 sheets-sheet 3 isi Patented Sept. 26, 1944 CAN CONNECTOR. DEVICE Alexander Djidics and Carl D. Pratt, Tamaqua,

Pa., assignors to Atlas Powder Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application october 21, 1940, serial No. 361,994

(c1. 1oz-24) 12 Claims.

This invention relates to connectors for cans or like containers, through the medium of which a plurality of such containers may be connected in a continuous column of any desired length. The invention is particularly applicable to the coupling together of explosive cartridges or cans containing explosives, into a continuous column for use in drill holes and the like, but it is not necessarily restricted thereto. The connector of the present invention is oi a nature to provide a column of explosive material of such strength that it may be forced into firing position throug mud and other penetrable obstructions.

It is a further object of the invention to provide connectors of the character described so constructed that each connector comprises both a male and a female part adapted to coact with like elements of adjacent connectors. By virtue of this arrangement, either end of any container may be connected to either end of any other container. Consequently, it is not necessary to be continually turning the` cans or containers end to end in seeking to t them to adjacent containers. This reduction in handling is very desirable where explosive filled containers are to be united into an explosive column. It is a further object of the invention to devise a connector for explosive lled cans or containers, which connector will embody the advantages above outlined, while at the same time the propagation of the explosive wave axially of the whole column of explosive material will be facilitated.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a connecting means for retaining a detonator in a detonator well, or equivalent space.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating a plurality of cans connected in column formation by the connector of the present invention. i

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a connector as applied to `one end of a can.

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view through a pair of connectors showing the parts in the positions they occupy before the cans have been turned to. draw them towardeach other.

Fig. 4 is an under-face view on one of the connectors showing the tips of the tongues of the other connector just being entered to engage beneath the tongues of the iirst connector.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional View through a modiiication of the invention showing a can partly in section and showing the connector in edge elevation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further modification of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional View upon line 11 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a vertical'sectional view through the topmost can of a column illustrating detonator receiving and retaining means associated therewith.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the can of Fig. 8 with the detonator retaining cap removed.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the detonator retaining cap, and

Fig. 11 is a modiiied view showing a retaining cap provided with a cushioning means hereinafter described.

In carrying out the invention, each end of each container is provided with a connector plate having a plurality of curved tongues punched from its surface at intervals along a circular center line, forming at the same time curved perforations in the plate of the same shape so as to receive the tongues oi' an adjacent substantially identical plate for attachment thereto. The tongues are raised or inclined from the plane of the plate from which they are punched, at such heights and angles as will allow the tongues of an adjacent plate to be engaged thereunder, when superimposed, so that by reverse rotary motion of the two connector-plates, it will be possible for the tongues to enter the perforations of the adjacent plate, drawing the two together, and causing a strong union of the two plates. Resistance to becoming detached is accomplished by the frictional engagement between the tongues and the walls of the perforations, in addition to the frictional engagement of the tongues with each other and the plates. Added frictional strength and stability for the joint may also be had by providing the connector plates with sultable raised rims or beads for irictional engagement when the plates are drawn together. For the purpose of obtaining good propagation cf explosives in a column it is desirable to have as little extraneous matter as possible between the sections of explosive making up the column. In the examples which are given of the connectors, the central area of each connector plate has been left open in order to secure good propagation.

When blasting underwater, the water may be permitted to ll the space between the can heads without interfering with propagation -of the wave from can head to can head.

Referring now to the drawings:

I designates the body portions of the cans to be united and when the invention is to be used in conjunction with the making up of an explosive column, these cans will be filled with explosive material. as for example, a high explosive of a nature to be exploded by the concussion of a detonating wave. The heads of the f cans are indicated at l and these heads may be united with the can sides by the conventional rolled seams indicated at 1.

Each connector comprises a plate l, the central areas of the connectors being left open as indicated at l. Each plate I has a plurality of curved tongues I protruding outwardly therefrom at intervals along a circular centerY line about the axis of the container, these tongues constituting the male members of the connectors. and the slots or perforations Il formed in the plates l by the act of striking out the tongues, constituting the female members of the connectors, it being understood that when two of the containers are attached end to end, the tongues l0 of one connector enter the perforations l I of the coactin'g connector. Any suitable way of securing the connectors to the cans may be employed. For example, the connectors may be provided on their outer edges with depending flanges I2 adapted to be crimped over the seam 1 of a can as in Fig. 3. The can cover 8 may also be provided with an upstandlng bead Il to which the plate 8 may be soldered or otherwise attached as indicated at l in Fig. 5. In either case the plate l is left lying in spaced relation to the can cover i, to thereby provide a space Il into which the tongues of the connectors of a superimposed can may project.

In the case of the construction illustrated in Fig. 5, the rolled seam 1 between the can body 5 and the cover 8 lies-enough ab'ove the plate I so that when the corresponding surface of an adjacent can is brought forcibly into engagevment therewith by the action of the/interlocking tongues l0 as the 4two cans are rotated in opposite directions, a firm bearing between the cans is had at the contacting surfaces of the corresponding seams thereby adding desirable -stability and strength to the union.

The pressure which may be exerted on these bearing surfaces by the action described, is so considerable that a somewhat lengthy column of the cans may be rendered almost as rigid as a one-piece structure. 'I'his tends to resist any wobbling of the.- column and facilitates the forcing of the column into place through various obstructions such as mud and the like. The same effect is had in Fig. 3, where the edge i2* of the outer rim I2 of a connector lies above the surface of the plate 8 to such an extent that these upper surfaces of confronting `connectors are brought into the firm engagement described. under the action of the interlocking tongues and perforations. Y

We may, if desired, extend the slits in the plates l a little further rearwardly at the outer sides of the tongues than at the inner 1sides of the tongues, and this has the eifect of imparting a slight twist to the tongues, This is due to the fact that the further slitting described permits the outer side of the tongue Vto lift just a little higher thanthe inner side. This slight twist. in turn. brings about very effective frictional engagement between the tongues of two confronting connectors'as well as between the outer side edges of the tongues of one connector with the outer side edges of the perforations of an adjacent connector.

We preferably locate the tongues at a distance from the edge of the central opening, as for example, substantially centrally of the width of the plates 8, but we may. if desired, form these tongues as indicated at l0* in Fig. 6 where the inner side edges correspond to the edge of the central opening 9* of a connector. y

It is thought that the operation of the device will be clear from the foregoing description. However, it -may be added that the interlocking of the tongues with each other begins as soon as the points of one set of tongues ride into engagement withv and beneath the points of the other set of tongues. This is eiIected by rotating the two adjacent containers in opposite directions. This rotation is continued until stopped by frictional engagement. Although not restricted thereto, it is preferable, as previously described, to have the rotation stopped by frictional engagement at the contacting surfaces of the rolled seams 1 in Fig. 5,V or the confronting raised edges l2 of the flanges in Fig. 3. The frictional engagement of these surfaces or edges is effected by the frictional engagement between the interlocking tongues as the containers are rotated in opposite directions.

The bodies of the containers may be of any suitable material sufficiently rigid to support the contents and to which a connecting member of the character described may be attached. These containers may be of metal, glass, synthetic plastics, cardboard, etc. It is also contemplated that the containers be of any conventional shape (rectangular, cylindrical, elbow shaped, etc.) and size. so long as they are provided with the con necting plates heretofore described.

The connecting member may be of any suitable material capable of being molded or punched into the specified shape. and sufficiently strong for the purposes intended. i Sheet metal and fiber would be preferred. The connecting member may be a part of the closure of the container but it is preferred to attach it as a separate member either by welding or crimping it to the conventional container wall or end closure. f

Figures 8 to 10 of the drawings illustrate a' modiiication embodying a detonator retaining can constructed to coact with the connecting elements of the topmost can of aY column of cans and acting to protect and to retain a conventional blasting cap or detonator in operative relationto said can.

In the form illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10, a cap plate 2li is provided with tongues 2l and perforations 22 adapted to have interlocking engagement, as heretofore described, with the corresponding tongues and perforations -of the c onnector 8'L of can 5, which may be the topmost can of a column of cans or may constitute the container of a single package of explosive material. The can top i* is provided with a well 2! shaped and dimensioned to receive a conventional type, electric detonator or blasting cap. A hole 24 is formed vthrough the connector through which the detonator may be passed in placing it in the detonator well 23.

The detonator retaining cap plate 20 is provided with a hole 25 of such smaller diameter than the hole 24 that while the detonator lead estaras been placed in the well and the plate has -had its tongues and perforations engaged with the tongues and perforations of the connector 8a, the detonator cannot be withdrawn from the well. Further, the detonator is thus housed in protected position until the time of use arrives.

To facilitate the application of the detonator retaining cap plate Z, and to avoid the necessity of threading the lead wires through hole 25, the cap plate is provided with a slit 2l extending from hole 25 to the edge of the plate. This renders it possible to place the detonator in the well and then position the cap plate thereover by moving said plate laterally across the top of the can, the wires passing through the slit to the hole 25.

While we have shown a well 23 to receive the detonator, it is within the scope of the invention to so space cap plate 2B from the can top that the detonator may lie iiat between them. It is only necessary to provide a hole in the cap plate which will permitthe passage of the lead wires but will not permit the passage of the detonator.

In Fig. 11 the detonator retaining cap plate 2U which is like the plate 2B of Fig. 8 carries a cushioning member b, oi cork or other sultable material upon which a follow block may be placed when driving the column of cans downwardly.

Many other ways will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art for connecting containers while retaining the advantages inherent in the use of a connector comprising both male and female parts, for the purposes described. Consequently, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction set forth, but that it includes within its purview whatever changes fairly come i within either the terms or the spirit of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Connecting means for uniting a plurality of containers or explosives comprising connectors consisting of two substantially identical members, each of said members adapted to be secured to an end of a container and each of said members comprising a plate-like part naving a, plurality ci" spring tongues partially punched and inclined from said platenliirc part leaving perforations of such nature that the said spring tongues or one connector member will interlock with the spring tongues of the other connector member and move into and through the said perforations of each other when the two connector members are brought together face to face and turned in opposite directions to draw them together.

2. A structure as recited in claim l. wherein the plate-like parts are of annular formation leaving the central areas of the connector members open for the transmission of the detonating waves.

3. An explosive assembly comprising a plurality of containers of explosive material and means joining said containers in end to end relation, said means comprising a pair oi' interlock.- ing connector elements of like forni between each pair of containers, said containers comprising end walls completely closing the ends of the containers, each connector element comprising a. plate-like member secured to the end of the container in spaced relation to the associated end walls and each plate-like member having a plurality of resilient tongues and perforations, the tongues of any one of said elements being adapted to enter the perforations of any other of said elements, said tongues passing through the perforations and into the spaces between the associated end Walls and plate-like members.

4. A structure asrecited in claim 3 wherein each of the said end closures is provided with bearing surfaces extending substantially entirely therearound and adjacent the outer edge thereof and Yraised outwardly of the plane of the said plate-like member attached thereto, said bearing surfaces being adapted to have a seating upon those of any other of the several containers when their said connector elements are brought into interlocking engagement with each other.

5. An explosive assembly comprising a plurality of containers of explosive material and means uniting said containers in end to end relation, said means comprising a two part connector between each pair of containers, said containers comprising end closures and the parts of the connectors lying outwardly of and in spaced relation to said closures, each connector part comprising a plate-like member secured to the end of the associated container and each plate-like member having a plurality of resilient tongues and perforations, the tongues of one of said parts being adapted to enter the perforations of the other of said parts, and the central portion of said plate-like members being open to facilitate the transmission of' the detonating waves, the tongues and perforaticns of the two parts of the containers being substantially identical in dimensions and shape to adapt any connector part of any container to engage any of the connector parts of any other container.

6. A columnar structure comprising a plurality of superimposed containers each of said containers consisting oi a cylindrical body and transverse end closure walls, the material o f said body and end closure Walls being crimped into l tight engagement to form upstanding beads around the outer edges of the container at the ends thereof, connectors at each end oi each container, each connector comprising an annuiar plate lying in substantial parallelism with the associated end'wall of the container and rigidly aixed to the associated bead ci' the container and held by said bead in spaced relation to the associated end wall, a plurality of s #sa tongues struck irom said piate id leaving openings in the plate corresponding to the dimensions and sii-.apc ci said tongues, said tongues being attached at their rear ends to the plate and taperingl therefrom toward their free ends. the free ends e tongues being bent outwardly in the directi "l of the axis of the container beyond the plane c? the plate, the dimensions and disposition of the parts being such that when a connector of one container is engaged 'with the like connector ci another container and the containers are turned in opposite directions. the tongues of the confronting plates will engage beneath each other and enter the said openings and by their inclination with respect to their plates. will act to draw the beads of the' two containers into forcible engagement with each other, the tapering shape of the tongues causing the tongues to forcibly frictionally engage the edges of the said openings as the increasingly wider portions of the tongues move into and through said openings.

7. A connector as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said connector members is provided with a bearing surface raised outwardly of the plane thereof and extending substantially entirely there-around adjacent the outer edge thereof, said bearing surfaces being adapted to have a seating upon each other as the said members are brought into interlocking engagement with each other.

8. A container for explosive material, said container having closed ends and having on an end Athereof a connector element, which element comprises a plate-like part having a plurality of spring tongues struck therefrom and bent outwardly therebeyond in the direction of the axis of the container and disposed around a path concentric of said container, said plate-like part lying in spaced relation approximately parallel to the end wall of the container whereby it is adapted to engage with and lock with a similar connector element on another container.

9. A structure as recited `in claim 8 wherein said plate-like part is provided with an open center to expose the adjacent end oi' the container to the full force of the detonating Wave.

10. Connecting means for uniting a plurality of closed end containers of explosive material end to end to thereby bring them into an explosive assembly, comprising a substantially identical connector element upon each end of each of said containers outwardly of its closed end, each of said elements comprising a plate-like part having a plurality of slots and a corresponding plurality of outwardly projecting tongues formed to engage respectively with the corresponding tongues and slots of the substantially identical connector element of an adjacent container.

11. An explosive assembly comprising a container containing an explosive material and a detonator retaining cap, said container and retaining cap each comprising a plate-like member of similar formation having a pluralty of slots and a. corresponding plurality of outwardlyprojecting tongues adapted to engage, respectively, with the corresponding tongues and slots of the other plate-like member, the said container having a top-wall provided with an inwardly recessed space adapted to receive a detonator, the said plate-like connector member being fixed upon said top-wall and lying in substantial parallelism with and in spaced relation thereto and having an opening formed therethrough for the passage of a detonator into said recessed space, and said plate-like connector member of the said detonator retaining cap being provided with an opening formed therethrough too small for passage of the detonator but large enough for the passage of the detonator leg-Wires therethrough.

12. A container of explosive material adapted to be connected end to end to a like container, said container having both of its ends closed and sealed by imperforate walls, each end ot the container carrying outwardly of the closed end wall of the container a like connector element, each of the connector elements comprising a tongue outstanding from the end wall of the container and shaped and dimensioned to slidably engage beneath and by such sliding engagement lock with the like tongue of the like connector element of another container.

ALEXANDER `DJIDICS. CARL D. PRATI'. 

